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A Christian University, Bible College & School of Ministry in Texas

SAGU whistles past Northwood, 92-84

14 Three-Pointers were critical as Lions overcame foul trouble

SAGU, now 16-1, starts second half with 13-0 run keyed by tactical move

Bostwick describes the team and what the No. 1 ranking means

Box Score and Play-by-Play (links below)

CEDAR HILL, Texas -- No. 1 ranked Southwestern Assemblies of God University hitched their horses to a pace-setting defense and a patient, selfless offense in running the gauntlet past the Northwood University Knights, 92-84.

The game was played at Nutting Arena on the campus of Trinity Christian School, where SAGU’s Dominique Rambo (Dallas, Tx / Trinity Chr CH, Ok Wesleyan Univ) was a two-sport, All-State performer.

The Lions overcame a physical Knights defense and a surplus of whistles that often brought the game to a standstill.

Even with the lead throughout the game the Purple Pride were called for a season high 31 fouls that sent Northwood to the foul line for 51 free throws. Eleven different Knights attempted at least two or more FT’s.

A resolute Lions team played as though they didn't notice.

Rebounding was an impressive draw, allowing SAGU to operate an offense that located an open cutter or perimeter gunner. They fired seven triples in each half to keep the Knights at bay.

The chink in the hosts’ armor was their lack of long-range artillery. The Knights launched 18 shots from beyond the arc. Only one got through the cylinder.

Leading 38-36 at intermission the Lions took command by scoring the first 13 points of the second half without a reply.

They would not surrender the lead nor would they be seriously threatened the rest of the way.

A frustrated Northwood would draw three technical fouls. When Caleb Feemster (Addison, Tx / Trinity Chr-Addison, Ranger College) stroked four foul shots in succession after a pair of T’s, the SAGU lead was at 75-59 with 6:59 to play.

In the closing three minutes the Lions were only able to attempt one shot while being sent to the charity stripe for 16 free throws. They made only 10, which allowed the Knights to come to within 88-82 with 0:31 to play.

That was as close as they would get. Caleb Gentry (Hondo, Tx / Hondo HS, Ok Wesleyan Univ) and Tyler Guidry (Houston, Tx / Westbury Christian) salted away the game with foul shots.

The only shot SAGU was able to fire? A three-pointer from the wing by Rambo.

He nailed it with 1:41 to go to maintain a double-digit lead.

“It was another hard fought battle against a talented and worthy opponent,” Lions’ third year Head Coach Donnie Bostwick said. “They (NU) keep coming at you for 40 minutes.”

“Coach (Ray) Wilkerson does a good job and gets them to play an up-tempo style that is full of momentum runs.” Each time the Lions countered.

“I was very pleased with our composure,” he explained. “It was a big part of the victory.”

What triggered the second half opening was a strategic move in the Lions man-to-man defense.

“I felt the key to the game was the way we came out of the locker room,” he pointed out. “We were sparked by shifting Hondo (Gentry) to guarding their great big man, (Everett) Pleasant.”

“He was able to frustrate him with his quickness and toughness, while his (Gentry’s) help-side defenders provided great help. Very few guards have the toughness to enjoy that challenge.”